From IPL archives: Highest wicket taker for each team in IPL 2009

#6 Rajasthan Royals - Munaf Patel - 16 Wickets

Munaf Patel

Rajasthan Royals won the first season of IPL with a squad of experienced international players and young domestic players who were the surprise packages of that season. Due to various reasons like political cross-border tensions, national commitments and retirements, Royals lost key internationals like Sohail Tanvir, Shane Watson, Kamran Akmal and Darren Lehmann in 2009.

Hence the burden of carrying the team was more on players like Shane Warne, Munaf Patel and Yusuf Pathan. Munaf Patel ended up as the leading wicket-taker for Royals with 16 wickets. Once an express fast bowler, the Greg Chappell factor made him a line and length bowler. He then used deception to fox the batsman and picked up wickets.

His consistency in line and length resulted in an economy rate of 6.92. His accuracy in execution was evident when he successfully defended four runs off the last over against Mumbai Indians. Off the five balls that he bowled, Royals picked up three wickets and gave away only a single run.